Application Tips

Following up in person – who, what, when, where

You’ve been told time and time again that following up on an application is very important. But what about the details – Do I go in person? Should I call? Email?

Following up face to face can be nerve racking, but can also be extremely valuable.

Kelly commented on our job seeker blog with some helpful advice:

“As a former employer, I would agree that following up is essential. When submitting an application in person - only submit your application to the hiring manager and do so during non-peak hours of business (meaning between the hours of 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. for restaurants and Mon-Wed before 4 p.m. retail- unless there are specific holiday sales). If the hiring manager is not available, ask when they will be and bring your application back then. Be sure to be dressed in interview attire, because even if the manager doesn't have time to interview you right then - They will remember if you showed up looking like you just rolled out of bed! I know that it sounds silly, but it works!”

You should really use your best judgement on the ideal way to follow up. If you are taking Kelly’s advice and following up in-person, be sure to bring copies of your resume and references with you. It is better to be too prepared than not prepared at all! If you are able to speak to a hiring manager when you go in, treat it as a job interview. A smile, eye contact and confidence will take you far.

Remember, if a company specifically requests in the posting that you not contact them, leave them alone. Other than that, it’s fair game!

Kim is a job-search coach for Snagajob! She's a Certified Professional Resume Writer and a Certified Employment Interview Professional. When she's not helping with job searches, she can be found hanging with her hubby, Matt, and puppy, Belle.

Discussion

Hi, not such great advice. This fits a small segment of the job seeker population. Most applications are completed online. At least that is the case for my job search in the professional arena to include government work, administration, entry level social services etc. For the most part with larger corporations, the application process is an automated system that provides no possible way to make a personal contact with a flesh and blood human being and in most cases no way to follow up via email or snail mail. Whats your best advice for this situation?

Hi there! Even if you apply to a position online, you can still follow up in person. It is especially effective when applying to a restaurant or retail store. If you are uncomfortable following up in person, do a quick internet search for a phone number or email address and follow up that way. If the company specifically tells you not to contact them, then don’t. Other than that, go for it! In some cases, you will not be able to find an address, phone number or email address to follow up. There is really nothing you can do in this situation but wait. Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions!

Sometimes they accept applications because they could be or will be hiring within a set time peramiter. So it’s best to wait them out after you’ve done your part. And don’t forget to continue applying for work! You may just end up landing a better job somewhere else by default. Once, I got a job offer months later at a mcdonald’s, back in my first year of college, and I already had a better job working at my local library working a ton more hours even, thancdonald’s was offering! So keep at it don’t disregard any job and keep at your job hunt, even if there are jobs who really arn’t hiring anymore. Some people even get referred by places they’ve applied to, to other places based on their resume, that fit a different company better. Just a thought..

I have been applying on-line for many months and it feels like your resume or application just goes out into the cybershere and dies. It would be nice to know, as the person ahead of me said, if they even received the app!!

This seems like this should be a “post-requisite” for potential employers!!! They are asking for VERY INTIMATE DETAILS (and they get them) but not even an acknowledgement?!!!! We don’t even REALLY know if some of these companies are real companies!! Every one is soooo careful with a business’ information. What about the private citizens who can’t afford not even 1 problem in there life?? Is there a site that can provide just ANY ASSURITY at all in our intimate security??!! Why is that??! Humm

First; congrats on the and coming nuptuals! My question is about the follow-up on the phone. Once you have applied on-line, I want to follow-up to ensure that the hiring manager did indeed receive my resume and cover letter. Would you suggest following up on one’s voicemail or persue further until you actually can speak to a human being. May I ask you if you do leave word on a v/m; what kind of speil would you utilize other than, Hi, my name is _____ and I was calling to see if you had received my resume and cover letter for the position of _________. I look forward to speaking with you in person soon and can be reached at 1234567890.

Hi Rocco (and thank you!). That is a great question. It is best to be able to talk to the actual manager instead of leaving a voice mail (which is why I prefer following up in person). But, if you do have to leave a voice mail, I think your example is fine. This leaves the ball in their court. If you make it longer by adding your qualifications, you may annoy the manager with your lengthy voice mail. But, if you have the option, always go for in person or actual person on the phone. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

Kim,
Are you suggesting that the best followup method is to get dressed up, drive all the way to the site in any degree of traffic, to most likey be told “The person they need to see isn’t in today”, “He/she had a family emergency”, “I’ll be sure to let him/her know you stopped in( questionable)”, “As the ad said, you’ll hear from us if you’ve been selected”.

Well I didn’t see it posted. I suppose it first had to go through inspection for possible taboo, or that all new bloggers have to be approved by the blog board? I’m surprised I didn’t have to type a cluster of funny looking letters to prove I’m not a robot like on all other sites.

I actually like to get an early start to my job search, especially if it’s during the week. I go in the mornings to follow up on applications, sometimes it’s slow at that time. What can you do when a place tells you that your application is still active,but they’re not hiring. I get the answer that they’re full staffed right now and won’t be hiring again until late summer. Should I wait until then to follow up again?

Hi Shelia! If they tell you that late summer is when they will be hiring again, I think you can follow up again….but wait until late summer. You don’t want to become a nuisance and be remembered for the wrong reasons. But, it is great that you are following up, and by remembering the late summer date, you could impress them with your passion for wanting to work for them.

I have had application for jobs on this site for almost 2 yrs & never received a conformation of receiving my application i finally received 1 from stk&shk i think these job postings should have dates on them.

Hi Jeff! We are in the process of making a few improvements to the site, stay tuned! Also, have you been following up on your applications? This is one way to stand out to employers/confirm they have your application. We recently talked to one nation-wide retail employer who told us that following up in person can give you the upper hand. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

Dear Kelly,
I’m currently searching for jobs all over the Dallas,Mesquite,& Garland area so that I can be close to home mainly because I was just released from prison after serving 22 years on a 35 year sentence. This is the first time since 1989 that I have to seek employment, and its a hard transition when you do not have a really true employment background other than what you worked on in prison doing many people coming out are always complaining that there are no jobs out their when in fact there’s plenty of jobs, just not a lot of people or employers willing to hire ex-offenders. The Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service has a 8850 form for respected Employers to receive credit for hiring ex-offenders. Please reply with helpful information on being selected by employers while on parole & wearing a tracking monitor on said ankle.

Good after noon Kim,
I just got off the phone with Goodwill Industries of Dallas ,Inc. and they said that they could not do anything for me because I was convicted of Murder, and that they do not do anything for people with assault, murder, molestation, rape, or any aggravated charges. So how is it that they got the rep. of helping ex-offenders. I’m sorry for the time I have wasted on going through a company that really does’nt want anyone to succeed in life.

Hopefully your conviction was self defense because who would feel comfortable hiring someone that have the potential to take someone else life? As an employer my employees are my responsibility. Adding a convicted murderer, rapist, and etc to the roster would make some employees uncomfortable. You must provide specifics of your situation which I am sure you have. But to apply for such positions with that on your record takes alot of balls.

This is great advice if you’re looking for a job at Walmart or a factory, but if you’re a professional, you will probably just annoy your potential employer. As a professional who’s done quite a bit of hiring, I became extremely annoyed if someone “popped in” during the business day and took up my time.

I am 60 years old and looking for a job. I was a CEO of an organization for 18 years. I am not able to collect retirement as I’m too young and no matter how much people say older workers are being hired it doesn’t seem to be the case with me. I apply and will get calls to interview. I feel I did a great job in the interview but get a call saying I was not selected. When I investigate the job after they have hired, I find a young person was hired. What do I do?

ive been connected with snag a job for a couple of years and never had a call back or even a reply, what am i doing wrong? very diappointed I need help. whats the use of having a job site if it doesnt work.

Hi Steven – I am sorry to hear things haven’t been going well. Have you been double and triple checking your applications for spelling mistakes? Employers tell us that this is their biggest frustration with job seekers and it can really hold you back. Check out this video with some tips on how to get your resume/application in top shape: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-tips-for-great-resumes/. Also, are you following up on your applications? This is a very important step in the job search but is often overlooked. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

You make it sound as if you never get a call back or interview it is due to spelling mistakes. I disagree. Some (most) employers are just rude. For those that are working have no idea how frustrating it is trying to find a job in this economy. I am also too young to retire, but apparently too old to hire. I have had several interviews and felt that they went well. I have followed up with thank you notes and after a few days I will attempt to contact them by email, phone or in person. My emails and phone calls are not responded to and if I follow up in person I am told the individual is not available. In my previous position I conducted interviews and made recommendations for hiring. I can’t say that I responded to every one interviewed but when they called or emailed about the position I gave them an update, which may have been that the interview process was still in progress or the position had been filled. Job seekers are encourged to follow the rules, but interviewers are allowed to treat people like crap. About 6 months ago I received a call and interview from an employer, that I had not applied to, for a position that I was more than quailfied for and went through the follow up procedures and never got a response. Since that time they have advertised for the same position three times. I went through the application process 2 of the 3 times, reminded them that I had met with them earlier in the year and was still interested in the position. Needless to say I received no response. What it told me is that they are having a hard time keeping the position filled, but not to the point that they may actually hire someone that is qualified. Since the intial interview went well, I can only assume that they feel they can’t afford me or are discrimating due to age.

I am in your position. I’m 56 and re-entering the work force. I have excellent office admin skills, as well as decades of restaurant experience. I was flat-out told at one restaurant that they wanted someone ‘college-age’…

Hi, I’ve filled out a few applications on here and on my profile it won’t let me put down my past job responsibilities… It gets a little frustrating because it shows up blank later and I don’t want to get turned down for any job from it. Does this happen to anyone else, or is there some sort of glitch in my account??

Hi, I was just wondering for advice in my situation:
Last friday, I was interviewed by the HR then I took the exam on the same day. Also, that same day the HR informed me that I will have a manager’s interview, Monday. When I came last monday, there was an issue regarding my application form and exam. The manager said that he don’t have my application form, resume and my exam. Still, he interviewed me since i was already there and told me that they will contact me after 1-2weeks… It’s been almost a week, and I am very eager to know whether my application form issues has been settled or why didn’t the HR forward it. I’m really confused, whether to wait for exactly 2 weeks, or text the HR, or go there personally to ask about my application status. so, any suggestion?
Thank you.

Hello Kim! i went today. Apparently, the HR didn’t even talk to me. I ask the receptionist for her, then they talk (you know, the way of talking that I can feel there’s something but, the receptionist just hid it). Then told me, that the HR said she will just email me for the results. Oh well, I was quite disappointed since, I exert an effort even when it was raining just to talk to her.

I had a phone interview and the hiring manager told me she wanted to speak with her boss to set up a time for me to come in and meet in person. That was 7 days ago and I have nrt received a call back. Should I call her back?

Hi Kevin! You should follow up with the original person you talked to. Just say that you are following up on your conversation from last week and are excited to move forward with an interview. Also, make sure you don’t stop applying for jobs while you are waiting hear back! Good luck and let me know how it goes

Hi Kelsie! You can just say you are following up to check on the status of the position and to see if they have any more questions for you. It’s as simple as that :). Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

It does not matter. The entire job search and the way is set up is flawed. 80% of times unless you know someone you wont get the job no matter how qualified you are. This of course is the premises for a workforce that totally lack in skills and promotes mediocre labor force, constantly.

I’m sick to death of online applications. I tried to follow up in person before and they look at you like you have a second head, and tell you to go back and check online for a response. I have a friend who works at Toys R Us and her pal is one of the managers that screens online applications – it’s ALL AUTOMATED so even an idiot can do it. If the application doesn’t get ‘all green’, then they toss them. In talking to this gal, whose spelling and grammar was atrocious, it was clear why they’ve automated it. It’s like the stars have to line up just right for you to get a call-back.

Hi,
I, too, wonder about following up for a job from say, a big retailer, where they require an on-line application. I also wonder about the weeding out of potential candidates by asking for social security numbers for some potentially bogus reason- tax benefits???- and asking for drivers license numbers for background checks. I’m not comfortable putting all that info on some site even if it says it’s secure. I have been excluded from finishing an application for this reason. I prefer face to face exchange of that kind of info when the retailer is considering me for a position. it feels really questionable that an online application can ask and store all that information and you never hear a word from them again.

Hi Kim,after one year and one month I apply to any General positions availble.I only receive two phone calls.First call recruiter give me a descrption of the job I apply for (end of conversation). I call back to follow my status and so far no respond.2nd call I receive recruiter tell me finally I have a job for you and is a part time job and no benefits with a minimum wage;my respond was THX. very much what day I start and what location I will report.The recruiter respond was you call me back tomorrow I let you know where to report. Next day I call she did not respond. One day pass by I call again,(no respond) I let 2 days pass by and she never respond.So… what to do??? I don’t give up filling applications I just Have the Need for a JOB. 40 hours is good job. 30 hours ok with me.Follow up in person is what I like most. What to do?

so friend gave me this website thought I would check It out filled out a few applications not really thinking much about it 2 days later I got a phone call the day after an interview and now I start wed… this website is awesome!!!!!!!

I have been out of work for three years; I apply on line to some sort of job every day through websites of companies. NO One gets back to me, you can’t just walk in and apply for jobs now. Most companies do not even put a street address on the website.

When following up I have found that there is a lot to be said for being able to express both the confidence to get across “the job is mine” and the humility to honor and respect the screener and/or hiring manager for their time, position, and responsibilities within the organization in which you are committed to working.

I called to check up on my application and was a little rudely informed that they get over 100 applications a day and 1person goes threw them and was told I’ll just have to wait to see if they pull mine or not.!!! How discouraging..there has to be something else I can do.would it be to much if I showed up at the store and asked for the name I was told goes threw the app’s???

Hi Julia – I am sorry you had to experience that! Following up is a great way to stand out and get noticed, but sadly it doesn’t work every single time. I think following up again in person would be fine. Good luck!

If you were to go follow up in person and you would speak to the hiring manager and you simply ask “hello i just wanted to know if you received my application and all the regular stuff” and they just say “yes we have but were still in the processing of hiring” or whatever they say what would be like a good way of saying good bye without making it like awkward?

I’m 21 and have been, for the most part, job hunting since I was 16. To date I’ve only had one interview, save for walk ins but those went nowhere either. I’ve never quite understood the follow up idea or quite honestly how to go about it. To me it seems they would be annoyed by someone doing that, but I get that it shows interest. I know sometimes they get annoyed by it and don’t always say to not check in on it. I live right behind a Jack in the Box and the hiring manager hates people following up but there is never anything to say that because I don’t think the company has a policy about it, she’s just a horrible boss/person. I’m a person who has issues with dealing with people I don’t know when in a situation such as a follow up. I worked for the Salvation Army for three weeks this past Christmas season and had no issues greeting people as they came and went though. All I know is the whole process seems lost on me. Any sound advice on a good way to follow up and maybe help take a little bit of the worry off?

hi kim! I just got my interview today,after my interview the hiring manager told me that they will call me back if they verified which of one us is the best fit for the job. but i told her when i will know the result?she told me to call back on wednesday.my question is how will i know if they choose me instead of the other applicant,do i have chance to get hired?please give me an advice thank you

Hi Kim,
I was wandering what should one say when following up for a job? What would be something to really stand out? Do you ask for the manager or the person in charge of job applications?
Please help I’ve applied to about 9 different places. Mcdonalds, CVS, Walgreens, Barnes&Nobles, Subways, Auntie Annes, A&P, ToysRUs, and Nathan’s
If you could give me some advise that would be greatly appreciated Thank you.

I would just like to say that,what if someone is a transgender individual,and is trying so hard to get a job,and they keep getting discriminated,from these jobs that they apply for,an now that (gender identity) and (gender expression),is now on the discrimination act.What is the best way for these individuals to get hired for a job,we are all human being and we all have right,so why do these so called employers still discriminate against transgender individuals.